Title
Presentation of the 2025 Reverend James C. Wright Human Rights Award by the City of Madison Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) and the Department of Civil Rights - Equal Opportunities Division (EOD) to Edward (Ed) L. Murray, Jr.
Body
The Reverend James C. Wright Human Rights Award honors the late Reverend James C. Wright, who served as Executive Director of the Equal Opportunities Commission from its inception in 1968 until his retirement in 1992. The award is given to an individual who best exemplifies Reverend Wright’s dedication and compassion for civil and human rights and conducts their daily life consistent with these values. The Equal Opportunities Commission has selected Mr. Edward (Ed) L. Murray, Jr., as the recipient of the 2025 Human Rights award.
Known for his humble and selfless character, Ed Murray has dedicated over fifty years to serving those in Madison’s community who were most in need, reflecting Reverend James C. Wright’s character and legacy as a dedicated public servant. Ed is a former resident of Madison and has worked in Madison for most of his career.
As a leader and founding member of 100 Black Men of Madison, Ed led youth and adult-based programs through the organization’s “Mentoring the 100 Way Across a Lifetime” program, serving thousands of youths and adults of all races and genders across the Greater Madison area. This mentoring program provided crucial services, including face-to-face mentoring, online mentor training, a virtual mentee curriculum that includes health and wellness materials, and post-secondary academic scholarships.
As an active member of Dane County’s NAACP, Ed is also steadfast in addressing social and economic injustices faced by Black and brown communities, sometimes being the only person of color in the room. Dedicated to taking action, Ed not only provides tangible solutions to such issues but also carefully instructs others on how to do the same.
“The Ed Murray that I know doesn’t understand how...
Click here for full text